Chapter 44: The Sincerity of Inviting the Eldest Young Lady

Zhu Shian had originally planned to go to Hubei Xiong Mountain after the Lantern Festival. Due to the theft of the treasured Magic Implement from Wangyun Temple, and at the request of Mingjue Grand Master, Zhu Shian needed to stay in Zhenshan County as a precaution.

Zhu Shian wanted to travel far but couldn't make the trip. She was even more eager to train Zhang Jie quickly, so that when she went out, someone would be left to mind the house.

After Zhu Changfeng and Zhu Changfang left with Song Weiguo, Zhu Shian went to Yuntai Temple the next day.

On the third afternoon after Zhu Shian went up the mountain, Zhu Jin called the Zhenshan County Public Security Bureau looking for her. The Bureau sent word, but it turned out Zhu Shian wasn't home.

By then it was already late afternoon. Sending someone up the mountain now would definitely be too late. Moreover, it had rained all night last night, the mountain paths were slippery, and the roads were difficult to traverse. Even to deliver a message, they'd have to wait until early morning.

Du Director personally called Beijing back to explain the situation, saying Zhu Shian couldn't call back until at least the next afternoon.

Zhu Jin hung up and smiled at Deputy Leader Zhang Mingling: 'Whether Zhu Shian is willing to be the Action Team's leader or not, I think we need to apply for a telephone line to be installed for the Sanqing Lane Zhu Family.'

Zhang Mingling had known Zhu Jin for several years and was familiar with her speaking style. He asked, 'You think Zhu Shian won't agree?'

'I hope Zhu Shian will come to Beijing to be our Action Team's leader, but in my heart——' Zhu Jin smiled: 'I think she won't agree.'

Zhang Mingling hesitated: 'Xu Juzhang seems to have his heart set on Zhu Shian.'

'I'm also set on Zhu Shian, but you can't force a cow to drink water by pushing its head down, right? Besides, even if we wanted to force it, who could?' Zhu Jin sighed deeply: 'I've prepared for the worst, but I still need to do my utmost to strive for it. I plan to go to Zhenshan County tomorrow. The team will rely on you to keep watch.'

'Rest assured, Leader.'

Zhu Jin laughed bitterly and said: 'Once the official document is issued, I won't be the leader anymore. I'll be a deputy leader just like you.'

'The title doesn't matter. What matters now is making the Action Team strong, making the leaders feel secure about our Action Team.'

'That's exactly what I think.'

The leaders wanted to replace her, and she didn't say a word in her own defense. Instead, she quickly provided a list of candidates for leader. It was precisely because she understood that the higher-ups had doubts about the Action Team.

So many people had died at Hubei Xiong Mountain. Xuan Sect people from Southeast Asia had entered our territory to commit crimes as if walking through an unguarded place. And now this stolen Magic Implement incident. One thing after another—it's only natural the leaders don't trust the Action Team.

Zhu Jin was good at managing the Action Team, but no matter how well it was managed, without combat capability it was useless.

Zhu Jin said to Zhang Mingling: 'I didn't include you in the list of candidates for leader. I hope you won't take it to heart.'

Zhang Mingling smiled: 'I know my own abilities well. You're right not to recommend me.'

Zhu Jin patted his shoulder: 'It's all for the Action Team's future development, for all our sakes.'

'Of course.'

There was a military plane leaving Beijing for Chongqing the next day. Zhu Jin planned to take that plane to Chongqing first, then go from Chongqing to Zhenshan County. If there were no delays, she would set off in the morning and arrive by evening.

Unfortunately, things don't always go as planned. In the end, Zhu Jin still couldn't make the trip.

That night, a message came from the Southwest Border Action Team—they had discovered wizards from another country attempting to cross the border and were requesting headquarters support.

Less than twenty minutes later, the Southwest Action Team closest to the Southwest Border, as well as the Southeast Action Team and Central Action Team, all received the news. They set off that very night for the border.

Ding Mao was woken up in the middle of the night. When he heard something had happened at the border, he packed all his belongings onto himself—the ancestral Bagua Mirror, the Peach Wood Sword, and the talismans and Soul-Chasing Incense he had obtained from Zhu Shian.

When packing the talismans, Ding Mao immediately thought: if a real fight breaks out at the Southwest Border, this stock definitely won't be enough. No, he had to ask Zhu Shian for some support.

'Ding Mao, hurry up.'

'Coming.'

Ding Mao grabbed a pen and hastily wrote a note, then ran out and handed it to the sister who fed the carrier pigeons: 'Please get this message to the Sanqing Lane Zhu Family in Zhenshan County as quickly as possible.'

Without waiting for the sister's answer, Ding Mao jumped onto the carriage outside the door and was taken away.

The sister feeding the pigeons glanced at the note's content and didn't dare wait a moment. She quickly selected a pigeon that was very good at flying at night, attached the message, and released it.

The Southwest Action Team branch was in a remote location. If traveling by land, there were mountains upon mountains, winding rivers, and winding mountain paths—it would take several days to reach Zhenshan County. But carrier pigeons flying from the air were very fast and arrived at the Sanqing Lane Zhu Family the next morning.

'Cooco, cooco.'

The carrier pigeon walked around the front courtyard of the Zhu Family, cooing as it went. Zhu Fengqin heard the sound and came over. Seeing it was a pigeon, she went to the kitchen to grab a handful of rice to feed it, and casually removed the note tied to the pigeon's leg.

Zhu Fengqin was wondering who would send a message so early. When she opened the note and read it, she immediately knew something was wrong—An'an had to be called back right away.

Zhu Fengqin ran to Zhu Changzhen's house, pounding on the door until it opened. Seeing Zhu Changzhen, she handed him the note: 'You're young and fast on your feet. Go up the mountain quickly and tell An'an to come back right away.'

Zhu Changzhen glanced at the note and immediately became anxious: 'Wait while I put on my shoes. I'm going right now.'

It was still very early. Zhu Changzhen and his wife had just gotten up, so there was definitely no time to make breakfast. His wife, Lin Yezi, quickly took out half a package of biscuits stored in the drawer and filled half a thermos with warm water for him to take along.

Zhu Changzhen prepared himself, took food and drink, and hurried out of the city.

Zhu Zheng and Zhu Changbi's families lived in the same courtyard as Zhu Changzhen. The two families heard the commotion and opened their doors to come out. Zhu Zheng had just heard what Zhu Fengqin said to Zhu Changzhen, and now seeing Zhu Fengqin's worried face, he guessed it probably wasn't anything good.

'Fengqin, what's wrong?'

Zhu Fengqin sighed: 'It's hard to say. We have to wait for An'an to come back to know.'

'Zhu Zheng, Changfeng and Changzhen are both not home today. The Medical Hall is relying on you to manage it. Pay attention, ah.'

Zhu Zheng nodded with a smile: 'Don't worry. When Changfeng left a few days ago, he handed over the Medical Hall's account books and the raw medicine shop's account books to me. I have everything in mind.'

'Ah, I know you're reliable. I'm just worried and saying it anyway.' Zhu Fengqin turned and went home, saying: 'You busy yours. I'll go first.'

'Fengqin, take care.'

Zhu Changbi asked Lin Yezi: 'Lin sister-in-law, I just saw that note in Zhu Changzhen's hand—was it a small slip of paper?'

Lin Yezi nodded and gestured with her hand: 'About this wide.'

Zhu Zheng said: 'Sending messages by small slip of paper must be by pigeon. Among the people the eldest young lady knows who have pigeons, besides Wangyun Temple, it's only those Xuan Sect people the eldest young lady knows.'

No matter which Xuan Sect person sent the message to the eldest young lady, judging from Fengqin's expression just now, the matter must be significant.

Lin Yezi worried: 'We've only had a few good days. May the heavens protect us. Please don't let anything major happen.'

'Rest assured. The eldest young lady has a better grasp of outside matters than we do. No need to worry too much.'

After speaking with Lin Yezi, Zhu Zheng turned to Zhu Changbi and said: 'We can't help with Xuan Sect matters. What we can do is take good care of the Medical Hall, so the eldest young lady has one less thing to worry about.'

Zhu Changbi hummed in agreement. She knew.

Since the Zhu Medical Hall opened in September last year, because of the eldest young lady, it had attracted a large number of female patients. When she and Zhu Xiang started seeing patients at the Medical Hall, with the eldest young lady not around, these female patients were naturally taken over by the two of them.

New patients had no comparison and didn't know the gap between them and the eldest young lady. The old patients who had seen the eldest young lady before, after comparing, could easily find that their medical skills were a notch below the eldest young lady's.

Fortunately, the eldest young lady, Shouguang Ye, and Shouxin Ye occasionally guided her and Zhu Xiang. They also actively exchanged experiences with Zhu Lin and Zhu Chong. In the past few months, their medical skills had improved quickly.

Zhu Zheng smiled: 'It's cold outside. Don't stand around. Hurry in and make breakfast. After eating, go work at the Medical Hall.'

The Zhu family was more proactive than Zhu Shian had thought. She had only given them a starting point, and they would follow in her footsteps and move forward on their own.

The reason Zhu Shian had withdrawn half her energy from the Medical Hall was precisely because she had seen this. She believed that even without her, the Zhu Medical Hall would flourish.

Zhu Shian wasn't worried about the Medical Hall now. She had other concerns.

The officially organized Action Team was full of holes. After seeing the speed of the Xuan Sect's decline exceeded her expectations, she now needed not only to steadily improve her own Cultivation but also to cultivate her own right-hand people.

Zhu Shian looked at Zhang Jie sitting on the cushion yawning. Alas, her right-hand people were still too young.

There was no rain last night, so the mountain path wasn't particularly difficult to walk. When Zhu Changzhen arrived at Yuntai Temple breathless through the morning dew, Zhu Shian was teaching Zhang Jie to practice the Five Thunders Talisman.

'Eldest young lady, something's happened!'

Zhu Changzhen handed the note to Zhu Shian. Zhu Shian opened it and said: 'Several Action Team branches have mobilized their personnel. The movement is significant.'

Zhang Jie leaned his head over to look. Zhu Shian pushed him away and said: 'Bring the talismans you've accumulated these past few days. Pack them and send them to Ding Mao and the others. You're also contributing to protecting the country.'

'Then let me draw two more.'

'You don't need to now. I'll do it.'

'I can draw too.' Zhang Jie insisted.

Zhu Shian laid out all the blank yellow paper in front of her and said: 'My talismans are more effective than yours. Don't waste the yellow paper now.'

Zhang Xuanqing said unhappily: 'Zhang Jie is still so young. How can you speak to him like that?'

Zhang Jie ran over and patted Zhang Xuanqing's chest, comforting him: 'Master Advisor, don't be angry. What my teacher said is the truth.'

'Even if it's the truth, you shouldn't say it like that. Aren't you upset hearing it?'

'I'm not upset. I'll keep trying. I'll be as capable as my teacher someday.'

Zhang Xuanqing patted his little head and kept muttering: 'How can there be such a good child? You're truly Master Advisor's good disciple-grandson.'

Zhang Jie smiled at him.

Zhu Shian ignored Zhang Xuanqing's nonsense. At that moment, she held her breath and gathered her Spiritual Energy at the tip of her brush, drawing talismans one after another.

After a while, Zhang Xuanqing and Zhang Jie stood beside watching. After standing for a while, the grandfather and grandson brought chairs over to sit and watch. The blank yellow paper grew less and less, while the pile of completed talismans grew higher and higher.

Zhang Jie sighed—his teacher was really amazing. Not a single one was ruined.

Zhu Shian forced herself to finish using the remaining yellow paper at Yuntai Temple. After drawing the last talisman, she felt a twitching pain in her spiritual platform. She had overconsumed a bit.

'What time is it?'

Zhu Changzhen answered: 'It's noon. The elder Zhang the Daoist just went to make lunch.'

Zhu Shian sat down and leaned against the chair to rest, tiredly closing her eyes slightly: 'Go ask if the food is ready. We'll go down the mountain after lunch.'

Zhu Changzhen quietly studied her complexion: 'Are you sending these talismans to the Southwest Border? I can go down the mountain to deliver them. You stay on the mountain and rest for a couple days.'

Zhu Shian didn't agree.

After a simple lunch at the Daoist Temple, Zhu Shian rested for a while and regained some energy. She then went down the mountain with Zhu Changzhen and the talismans.

After going down the mountain and returning home, Zhu Shian used up all the yellow paper stored at home. She was completely drained. It was too exhausting.

Even though she was tired, she couldn't rest. Zhu Shian went to the Public Security Bureau to make a phone call. She only spoke two sentences before hanging up.

A while later, the phone rang. Zhu Shian picked it up again.

'Master Zhu, this is Zhu Jin.'

Zhu Jin's voice on the other end sounded even more exhausted than Zhu Shian's. Zhu Shian didn't need to think much to know how busy she had been this day and night.

Zhu Shian herself was also tired. She said: 'Director Zhu, let me be brief. I have a batch of talismans that need to be sent to the border. Do you send someone to pick them up in Zhenshan County, or should I deliver them over there?'

'That's great.' Zhu Jin was overjoyed and quickly said: 'I can't spare any personnel here for the time being. I'll have to trouble you to find someone to deliver them to the border.'

Zhu Shian knew from Ding Mao's letter about the Action Team's personnel deployment. She guessed Zhu Jin should be unable to spare anyone. She said: 'That's what I was thinking too. But the journey from here to the border is not short. What's the most convenient route?'

Zhu Jin had checked what route was closest to Zhenshan County just yesterday. The moment Zhu Shian spoke, she immediately had the answer in her mind. She quickly said: 'Trouble you to have someone take a boat now to the Chongqing dock. I'll have our people contact them at the dock. After picking them up, have them take a plane to the airport closest to the border, then take a car to deliver the talismans.'

'Alright.'

Zhu Jin quickly said: 'Master Zhu's call came at just the right time. I also have something to discuss with Master Zhu.'

'Please say.'

Zhu Jin switched the receiver from her right hand to her left hand, gripping it tighter. She lifted her head and smiled: 'I originally wanted to come to Zhenshan County in person to tell you, but I'm tied up for now, so I'll tell you over the phone. The National Security Bureau wants to invite you to be the person in charge of the Action Team, which is to say, the Action Team's leader.'

Zhu Jin was very clear—not a personal invitation from her, but an invitation from the National Security Bureau. But regardless of who was inviting her, Zhu Shian was surprised: 'If I remember correctly, the Action Team's leader, the person in charge, is you, right?'

Zhu Jin laughed: 'It was me originally. You know, with troubled times upon us, after our internal meeting, we all feel that what the Action Team needs now is not me, but a powerful Xuan Sect master.'

'Your Action Team definitely has some capable masters.'

'There are a few capable ones, but I would rather have you be the Action Team's leader.' Zhu Jin added: 'You would be the person in charge, and I'd be your assistant.'

Zhu Shian knew Zhu Jin was right. The Action Team's problem wasn't just a shortage of personnel. Their biggest problem was lacking a leader.

Among the Xuan Sect practitioners of this world, even if she wasn't first now, she would soon become the foremost person in the Xuan Sect.

As the former prodigy of the Taiyi Sect, Zhu Shian still had this much confidence.

But she also had a family to take care of. Did she really want to take on the responsibility of the Action Team? Zhu Shian felt she needed to think about it more. At the very least, she needed to seek the elders' opinions.

'Master Zhu, please consider carefully. We really need you.' Zhu Jin offered the National Security Bureau's sincerity. She said: 'After getting approval from the leadership above, if you agree to join the Action Team, you can choose three Magic Implements from our Action Team's collection.'

Three Magic Implements—it sounded not bad.

Zhu Shian didn't answer. Zhu Jin then said: 'If you're willing to consider it, I'll arrange for someone to send you a catalog of the Magic Implements. You can look at it before deciding.'

'Mm, I'll consider it.'

Zhu Shian finally relented. Zhu Jin let out a breath and her spirits rose.

'Master Zhu, within two days I'll send someone to Zhenshan County with the Magic Implement catalog. I'll await your reply.' Zhu Jin smiled: 'I hope it's good news.'

After hanging up, Zhu Shian turned to ask Zhu Changzhen beside her: 'Can you manage to deliver the talismans to the Southwest Border?'

'Eldest young lady, rest assured. I'll deliver the talismans safely.'

Zhu Shian brought Zhu Changzhen back to the main house, packed the talismans and the remaining Soul-Chasing Incense, and handed them to him, saying: 'Go to the dock now and take the fastest boat to Chongqing. They'll have people waiting at the Chongqing dock to take you to the airport. Go with them by plane to the Southwest Border. Once the things are delivered to Ding Mao, come back.'

Zhu Shian was very careful in her instructions. She said: 'It's already dangerous for ordinary people to get caught up in Xuan Sect struggles. This kind of cross-border struggle where neither side holds back is even more dangerous.'

Zhu Shian thought and added: 'Actually, you don't need to deliver it all the way. You can just hand the things to them at the Chongqing dock and come back.'

'Eldest young lady, let me go anyway. I go and can also bring some news back.' Zhu Changzhen wasn't afraid of danger.

Zhu Shian hummed and found a Peace Talisman and a Five Thunders Talisman from the bag containing the talismans: 'Keep them on your person and don't take them off.'

'Okay.'

Zhu Changzhen ran home to pack his luggage and left.

By now, it was already quite late. Zhu Shian looked at the gloomy weather outside. It would probably rain tonight.

Zhu Fengqin was collecting laundry in the backyard. While collecting, she complained: 'What's going on this year? It's not even the season for spring rain yet, and it's been drizzly for days. You wash a piece of clothing and it takes several days to dry. It's really annoying.'

Zhu Shian leaned against the door pillar and said: 'Want to light a fire to dry it?'

'No need. I have clean clothes to change into. Just wait for it to dry slowly. Don't waste the firewood.'

Zhu Shian complained: 'Air-dried clothes have a smell.'

'Ah, it'll be better when summer comes. When the weather warms up, take out the cotton clothes and thick winter bedding to sun them. Dry them thoroughly before putting them away in the cabinets.'

Zhu Fengqin hung the half-dry clothes in the storage room and asked her: 'You went to make that phone call just now? Is it settled? Is the matter resolved?'

'Whether it's resolved or not, I don't know yet. I had Zhu Changzhen go to the border to send them some things.'

'Oh, going to the border—isn't that very dangerous?'

'Ding Mao will protect him. If all goes well, he'll be back in three or four days.'

Hearing her tone was relaxed, Zhu Fengqin didn't press further. She said: 'The clan selected Zhu Changfeng and Zhu Changzhen to be trained at the Medical Hall. That girl Zhu Changfang counts too. Once something comes up, all three are gone. I think the Medical Hall doesn't have enough hands.'

Zhu Fengqin said: 'Once they leave, a bunch of miscellaneous matters at the Medical Hall fall on Zhu Zheng. Zhu Zheng also has to organize the Medicine Cabinet and dispense medicine to patients. How can he manage all that? I think you should talk to the clan and select a few more capable people to help at the Medical Hall.'

'Mm, I'll go to the clan tomorrow and discuss it with the elders.' And also discuss the Action Team matter.

The two walked along the corridor toward the kitchen. Zhu Fengqin said: 'Let's have something simple tonight.'

'What to eat?'

'Noodles? Crack two eggs and fry them. Fry until both sides are golden, then pour a scoop of hot water in. Wait for the egg soup to turn white, then add the noodles. When the noodles are almost done, toss in a handful of tender vegetable shoots to scald. Egg and vegetable noodles are light and delicious.'

Zhu Shian had originally been so tired she had no appetite, but hearing Fengqin describe it, she regained her appetite. She said: 'Put in more vegetable shoots.'

'Alright, I just love tender vegetable shoots. I scattered a large area of vegetable seeds in the empty ground of the backyard last year. I purposely sowed the seeds late. The cold weather made the sprouts grow slowly. They haven't grown to the size of a palm yet, which is perfect for eating the tender shoots. After the tender shoots are finished, in a month or two clear the ground and plant spring vegetables.'

Zhu Fengqin became animated when talking about planting vegetables: 'I planted too few eggplants last spring. This year I plan to plant more. If there are extras, I can cut them into strips and dry them into dried eggplant. They're also good for stewing with meat in winter.'

Zhu Shian agreed: 'I think they're better than dried long beans stewed.'

'Right.'

Zhu Shian's previous life's daily affairs didn't include idle chitchat about household matters. There was only practice of Dao Cultivation, Xuan Sect struggles, and leading fellow sect brothers and sisters to encircle and eliminate evil demons and heretics. The only somewhat grounded daily moments were just chatting about Xuan Sect gossip with senior brothers and sisters during breaks in Cultivation.

Zhu Shian sat squatting by the stove to tend the fire. Dry wood crackled in the stove, and the blazing flames baked her cheeks. She felt this moment was very good—it made her feel relaxed from the inside out.

Zhu Shian sat there in a daze.

Perhaps in this life, because of the care she received from her grandfather, Fengqin, and the clan members in daily life, she gained a new understanding of the responsibilities of a person of Dao Cultivation.

The responsibility of Xuan Sect people is to protect the common people from evil demons and heretics. In the past, although she did protect the common people and even lost her life because of it, at that time the common people were more like a symbol to her.

In this life, the common people she wanted to protect became concrete people in her heart—her family, the neighbors in the county, people she had met once, and strangers she had never seen far away.

Something that had been hanging in the air gradually settled. This feeling was good for her.

The firewood made her feel warm all over. She wrapped her arms around herself, her head resting sideways on her arms, feeling dizzy and sleepy.

Zhu Fengqin ladled noodle soup, saying: 'It's done. Don't put firewood in the stove. Get ready to eat.'

'Oh.'

Zhu Shian stood up and lazily stretched.

'What did you do today? Why are you so sleepy?' Zhu Fengqin also said: 'Come eat. After eating, go sleep. I won't wake you tomorrow morning. You can sleep as long as you want.'

Zhu Shian smiled: 'Not calling me for breakfast?'

'Eat after you've slept enough.'

'Okay.'

Zhu Shian hadn't felt this drained in a long time. She really was exhausted today. After dinner and washing up, she went back to her room, lifted the quilt, and lay down in the blankets. She closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Before going to sleep, Zhu Fengqin came to take a look. Seeing her window was half open, she went in and closed it before leaving.

Just after nine o'clock at night, Zhenshan County had a night rain—it was the kind of lingering spring rain. The rain threads were like the tender green grass sprouting outside the city in spring, fine and thick, one layer after another.

'Raining so early this year. This year has a lot of rain.'

'Having more is not a problem. Raining now is just right to cool the pests in the fields. It's good for the crops.'

'Our area hasn't had a major flood disaster for a thousand years. Even if there's more rain, it's fine. I'm just worried about the lower reaches of the Yangtze River being flooded.'

'It shouldn't happen, right?'

'Who knows? We can't figure out the old heaven's temperament.'

'I heard they're preparing to build a railway in Nanjiang County in the second half of the year. Too much rain will affect their work.'

'Didn't they just say they'd build it last year? Can they start construction this year?'

'It's not that early. I've heard they've been preparing for this railway for several years.'

'I remember when our Medical Hall hadn't opened yet, there was a young couple who came to see the eldest young lady. That couple seemed to be railway engineers?'

'I remember that too.' Zhu Fujiang asked Zhu Shian: 'Did that couple come looking for you again after that?'

'They haven't come again.'

'You must have cured their root cause. Since they're not sick, they don't come.'

Zhu Shian smiled. That was hard to say. That couple was seeking to have children. The root cause wouldn't be severed until the child was born.

Outside, fine rain was still falling. Zhu Shian sat with a group of clan elders in the room behind the ancestral hall, warming themselves by the fire and drinking tea.

The kettle sitting on the brazier had boiled. The steam pushed the kettle lid up and down. Just before the tea water overflowed, Zhu Shian lifted it and added tea for Zhu Fujiang.

Zhu Fujiang lifted the teacup and smiled: 'Old, old. The stomach is not as good as when young. Too much tea also makes me uncomfortable. I'll have half a cup more.'

Zhu Shian poured him half a cup of tea and filled her own cup to the brim.

She gently blew away the jasmine flowers floating on the water's surface. The hot steam rose and spread, making her eyes particularly comfortable. Zhu Shian let out a long breath and said: 'Today I came to discuss something with you.'

The elders who had been chatting idly all laughed. A silver-haired elder lady the clan called Yun Popo smiled and said: 'The eldest young lady doesn't come to the clan when there's nothing to do. We're waiting for the eldest young lady to speak.'

Zhu Fujiang asked: 'You didn't say anything just now—is it hard to bring up?'

Zhu Shian smiled: 'Actually, it's not hard to bring up. For our family, it's probably a good thing.'

'Then say it and let us hear.'

Zhu Shian took a sip of hot tea, then unhurriedly explained the National Security Bureau's invitation for her to be the Action Team's leader.

She said: 'You should all know about the Action Team. The reason I went to Shanghai for the exam last time was because they recommended me.'

Yun Popo said: 'The girl Ye Dan who came to Sanqing Lane, and that boy from the Ding family—they're all in the Action Team?'

'Mm, to mention someone closer, Master Mingjue from Wangyun Temple is also in the Action Team.'

Yun Popo asked excitedly: 'They want you to be the leader—are you the head of everyone?'

'Yes, if I go, they'll all be under my management.'

An elder said: 'The National Security Bureau is after all a national unit. There are many people who want to get in. How did such a good thing fall to you?'

Zhu Shian honestly said: 'Probably because I'm capable. None of them can compare with me.'

Yun Popo burst out laughing: 'I like hearing that.'

Zhu Shian smiled and said: 'They invited me, but I haven't agreed yet. The reason I haven't agreed is that if I take care of that side, I won't be able to take care of the clan.'

The elders didn't speak. They exchanged glances. Yun Popo said to Zhu Fujiang: 'You speak.'

Zhu Shian also looked at Zhu Fujiang.

Zhu Fujiang put down his teacup and said seriously: 'In the past, the heads of the Zhu Family rarely left Zhenshan County. On one hand, it was to protect the people of Zhenshan County; on the other hand, the heads themselves had average abilities. If they went out and ran into powerful opponents, they could easily get into trouble. Before a new generation of heirs appeared, they wouldn't easily risk their lives to protect the Zhu Family's inherited traditions.'

Zhu Shian understood: 'You mean since I'm capable, I can do as I please?'

Zhu Fujiang smiled: 'When your grandfather was with us, he told us that your fate was unusual. He said that after you became an adult, you would be one of the most capable heads the Zhu Family has ever had. At that time, we were half believing and half doubting, but in this year since you came back, everything you've done has been done well. We've gradually come to believe it.'

Yun Popo said: 'We're ordinary people and don't understand your Xuan Sect matters. But we have eyes to see and ears to hear. Since people like you say you're capable, then you're truly capable.'

Zhu Fujiang agreed with Yun Popo's words: 'We don't understand. Do the leaders at the National Security Bureau not understand? Since they invited you to be the leader, they must think you have that ability. Don't worry about the clan. If you want to go, go. Standing high outside can also shelter the clan.'

Last year, many new things happened. Everyone could see the situation improving. The things the children who went out to study said when they came back gave the elders even more confidence in the days to come.

It was precisely because they had confidence in the days to come that they needed someone from the Zhu Family to stand high, so that one day if the Zhu Family grew big, someone else wouldn't take the peach.

'Before, we thought you were a child who didn't want to worry about things. After discussing, we all thought if you didn't want to get involved in these worldly affairs, then don't worry. We'll wait a few years, wait for the younger generation to go out and make a name for themselves, and then choose one from among them to support.'

'Now that you have that intention, then you go. In the end, you're our Zhu Family's phoenix egg. No one else can compare with you.'

Zhu Shian smiled: 'You have so much confidence in me?'

The elders looked at her fondly. Though they didn't speak, everything was understood without words.

She knew how capable she was. The clan members didn't fully know, but they were willing to trust her and put the family's future in her hands.

Zhu Shian's smile didn't fade from her face, but her gaze had already become determined.

The Action Team matter was settled. Zhu Shian brought up another matter—the Medical Hall was short-handed.

Zhu Fujiang said: 'The Medical Hall is manageable elsewhere, but we're short on people to dispense medicine. I think why not call Zhu Yu, who ranked third in the clan selection last time, to work at the Medical Hall.'

Zhu Shian had no objection.

Yun Popo said: 'After the eldest young lady takes that position, she'll definitely be traveling a lot outside. Fengqin is not young anymore. It's not good to have her follow the eldest young lady running around. I think it's better to choose a young person from the clan to assist the eldest young lady?'

'Who do you want to recommend?' Zhu Fujiang asked.

Yun Popo really did have someone in mind. She said to everyone: 'My distant cousin's granddaughter, Zhu Lan. What do you think?'

The Zhu elders thought carefully. Zhu Lan did seem quite suitable.

Zhu Lan was twenty-five years old. She had properly finished high school. Although she didn't pass the college entrance exam, she was quick-minded. After last autumn's harvest, when she had free time, she found ways to secretly sell her own steamed buns and steamed bread in the city. She made a lot of money.

Zhu Shian said: 'At her age, she should already be married and have children. The child shouldn't be very young either. If she runs around with me, she definitely won't be able to take care of her family. Can she manage?'

Zhu Fujiang said: 'Zhu Lan is married and has a child, that's true. But her husband is a sent-down youth. After he returned to the city last year, he sent a letter saying he wanted a divorce. Now she lives at her parents' home with her five-year-old daughter.'

To be honest, Zhu Lan making money on her own was also something she was forced into. Her parents helped take care of the child. Although her older brother and sister-in-law didn't give her a hard time, she still felt uncomfortable. That's why she wanted to make more money to support the family.

Yun Popo sighed: 'Her working for you is also a good thing. First, she'll have stable wages. Second, since she follows you, the head of the family, her whole family will have face, and their backs will straighten.'

Zhu Shian said: 'Since you all think she's suitable, why not call her over to meet?'

'Then let's meet. It's raining today, so she's definitely at home and not going to the city to do business.'

Zhu Lan's parents' home wasn't far from the ancestral hall. When she heard Yun Popo called her, she arrived in about twenty minutes, wearing a straw raincoat.

Zhu Lan didn't expect the eldest young lady and the elders to all be there when she entered. She smiled as she entered and greeted everyone one by one.

Yun Popo said to Zhu Shian with a smile: 'This child is good, right?'

'Not bad.'

Well-proportioned three courts, full forehead, bright and spirited eyes. The wealth palace was also well-formed. Although the marriage palace had some issues, overall, Zhu Lan's face was among the best for ordinary people.

Setting aside face-reading, just talking about her temperament—after such a big setback from meeting the wrong person, she still had such high-spirited energy. That said a lot.

The first thing Zhu Lan did when entering was greet the eldest young lady. Now hearing Yun Popo and the eldest young lady mention her, she came to stand beside Yun Popo and said with a smile: 'What good things were you saying about me just now?'

'Hahaha, praising you everywhere. That's why the eldest young lady called you over to have a look.'

Zhu Lan said embarrassedly: 'I'm just a woman farming in the countryside. I couldn't even pass the technical school exam. How can I deserve such praise from you?'

Yun Popo patted her hand: 'Life is long. You're like this now, but it might not stay the same. You have a clear mind, child. Good days are still ahead.'

Zhu Lan laughed and responded: 'Then I'll take your auspicious words. I'll definitely work hard and hope to have a good life as soon as possible.'

Yun Popo looked at Zhu Shian expectantly. Zhu Shian nodded: 'Zhu Lan can work.'

Zhu Lan was stunned. She didn't understand what the eldest young lady meant.

Yun Popo excitedly grabbed her hand: 'Silly child, the eldest young lady agreed to let you work in the city. Hurry and thank the eldest young lady.'

Zhu Lan still didn't understand what Yun Popo was talking about, but she quickly expressed thanks: 'Thank you for giving me this opportunity, eldest young lady.'

Zhu Shian's eyebrows slightly rose: 'You don't ask what opportunity it is?'

Zhu Lan smiled: 'You and Yun Popo definitely won't harm me. Whatever the opportunity is, it's definitely a good opportunity.'

Some elders in the room who weren't familiar with Zhu Lan secretly nodded. This girl had a good mouth that could speak—that alone put her ahead of many people.

Yun Popo pulled Zhu Lan to sit beside her: 'I certainly won't harm you. Working beside the eldest young lady—many people seek this but can't get it. It's your luck that it's your turn.'

Working beside the eldest young lady—could it be that from now on, she would be like Zhu Changfeng, being specially cultivated by the clan?

Working beside the eldest young lady was much more enviable than Zhu Changfeng and the others working at the Medical Hall.

Zhu Lan happily ran home to tell her parents, older brother, and sister-in-law about her going to work in front of the eldest young lady. The whole family went crazy with joy. Zhu Lan's mother even said to take down one of the hanging bacon from the wall and make it for lunch today.

Zhu Lan quickly stopped her mother. They only had three pieces of bacon in total—they had to be economical.

'Will you also move to Sanqing Lane to live?' Zhu Lan's older brother asked.

'I need to go to Sanqing Lane. The eldest young lady said I can live in the main house. She said I can also bring Niu Niu over to live.'

Zhu Lan's mother said: 'Niu Niu is only five. She still needs an adult to look after you. You're going to work. How do you have time to look after the child? Let Niu Niu stay at home. I'll bring Niu Niu to see you in the city every now and then.'

Zhu Lan thought about it briefly: 'Then I'll listen to mother. When Niu Niu goes to school in a couple years, I'll bring her over then.'

Niu Niu knew her mother would go to the city frequently. She didn't think the city was anything special. She ran over holding her mother's hand and said: 'I'll go see you with grandma.'

Zhu Lan laughed and picked her up: 'Then you must come often with grandma. Mommy misses you.'

Niu Niu laughed loudly.

Zhu Lan was straightforward. In the afternoon, when Zhu Shian returned to Sanqing Lane, Zhu Lan packed a change of clothes and left with her.

Zhu Fengqin didn't expect Zhu Shian to bring someone to live at her house. Zhu Shian explained that she might need to go out in the future, and the clan selected Zhu Lan to go out with her.

Zhu Fengqin got angry: 'You think I'm too old to keep up with you?'

Zhu Shian quickly said: 'No, I just can't bear to let you work hard.'

'What's this hard or not hard? I raised you since you were little. No matter how hard, I can't bear to have you leave my side.'

Zhu Fengqin felt rejected. As she spoke, her eyes turned red.

Zhu Shian quickly hugged her to comfort her: 'If you're willing to go out with me, I'm more than happy. If you're not afraid of being tired, next time I go far, we go together. Okay?'

Being placated by Zhu Shian like this, and with Zhu Lan as an outsider, Zhu Fengqin's face couldn't be preserved. She coldly hummed and said against her will: 'You reject me, I reject you too. This old woman won't serve you. Make your own dinner tonight.'

Zhu Fengqin turned her face and left.

Zhu Lan worried: 'Eldest young lady, is Fengqin unhappy about me coming? Should I not live here? I'll go live somewhere else.'

Zhu Shian smiled: 'Live here without worry. Fengqin will be fine soon.'

Zhu Shian arranged for Zhu Lan to live in the front courtyard. She said: 'The rooms are all empty. Pick whichever one you like.'

'I listen to the eldest young lady.'

Zhu Shian went to find Fengqin. After turning around the backyard, she finally found her in the kitchen. She was chopping old pumpkin, chopping with loud thuds, as if the cutting board would crack under her knife.

Zhu Shian stood at the door and said: 'Are you still mad at me?'

Zhu Fengqin rolled her eyes: 'I'm not angry with you. I can't be bothered.'

Zhu Shian smiled and walked in, trying to appease her: 'Southeast, northeast, northwest, southwest—which place do you like?'

'Why ask that?'

'In the future, if I go somewhere outside that you like, I'll take you along. Climbing mountains, crossing rivers—just treat it as going out to play and see the scenery.'

Zhu Fengqin said fiercely: 'Don't come saying nonsense to this old woman. I don't believe you. Moreover, what's good about deep mountains and old forests? You should go to big cities like Beijing and Shanghai if you're going anywhere. Aren't you being invited to be a leader? If you're a leader, where do you go but big cities?'

'That's hard to say. You know those evil demons and heretics love to hide in deep mountains and old forests. Don't I have to go catch them?'

Hearing her say that, Zhu Fengqin couldn't stay angry: 'They invited you to suffer? You're agreeing to this?'

'Haven't agreed yet. Still considering.'

'Hmph, don't I know you? If you hadn't made up your mind, would you have gone to discuss it with the elders?'

Zhu Shian smiled: 'You do understand me.'

Zhu Fengqin got angry again: 'I don't understand you. Get out. I don't want to see you today.'

'Fengqin, want to eat pumpkin porridge tonight?'

'Don't ask me. I said make it yourself.'

'Fengqin~'

'Get lost.'

Zhu Shian silently got lost.

Zhu Shian lingered, dragging her feet. It had been several minutes and she still hadn't walked out of the courtyard. She kept looking back toward the kitchen.

'Come back. Light the fire for me.'

'Coming!'

Zhu Shian ran two steps to the kitchen and smiled at Zhu Fengqin: 'Which pot to fire?'

'You said you wanted porridge. Of course fire the cooking pot. Do I have to teach you even this?'

Zhu Shian didn't argue back. She just silently worked.

Zhu Fengqin glanced at her and said: 'Want to eat anything else?'

Zhu Shian didn't dare order food anymore. She said: 'I'll eat whatever you make.'

'Hmph, always knows how to act obedient.'

Zhu Fengqin's anger came quickly and went quickly. When dinner was ready, she called Zhu Lan to come eat. By then, there was already a smile on her face.

Zhu Lan didn't know the situation and didn't say much. When told to eat, she sat and ate. After dinner, she vied to wash dishes and clean up. She and Zhu Fengqin pushed and yielded to each other. When the work was done, they had also become familiar.

Zhu Lan was good at talking, and Zhu Fengqin loved chatting with people. Before two sentences were exchanged, Zhu Fengqin had inquired about her family situation. Hearing that she lived at her parents' home with her child and that her husband was a sent-down youth who returned to the city, she got angry and cursed loudly.

After cursing Zhu Lan's man, she turned to curse Duan Yang. After finishing with Duan Yang, she said to Zhu Lan: 'You girl look clever too. Not like that silly girl Wang Erni who gets easily deceived. How did you also believe a man's nonsense?'

Zhu Lan smiled bitterly: 'I was young then. Didn't know any better.'

Zhu Fengqin patted her arm: 'You're still young now. Knowing better now isn't late. Although your marriage hasn't been smooth, I think you definitely have good fortune ahead.'

Afraid Zhu Lan wouldn't believe, she said: 'An'an is best at reading people. Since she agreed to bring you along, your fate must be good.'

Zhu Lan smiled and nodded. Her parents said the same thing.

The whole clan knew the eldest young lady was good at reading people. Working beside the eldest young lady, in the future when people mentioned her, they would only have praise. No one would say things like she had a bitter fate.

Zhu Fengqin felt sorry for Zhu Lan's difficulties and went to her room to take a look. Seeing the quilt in that room was thin, afraid she would be cold at night, Zhu Fengqin brought the thick quilt she replaced last year for her to cover.

'Don't be shy to ask. If you need anything, speak up. Don't wrong yourself.'

Zhu Lan smiled and hummed: 'Thank you, Fengqin, for taking care of me like this.'

Zhu Fengqin smiled: 'You're not much older than An'an. In my eyes, you're also a younger generation. Taking care of you is only right.'

Zhu Shian passed by the courtyard and heard what Fengqin and Zhu Lan said. She wasn't surprised at all. Fengqin was hard on the outside but soft at heart, and Zhu Lan was good at speaking. The two would definitely get along.

Zhu Lan lived in the front courtyard, close to the gate. The next morning, before she was even awake, she heard knocking on the door. She quickly got up and put on clothes to open the door.

When she went out, she glanced at the sky. It was just barely light—around six o'clock.

Zhu Lan opened the door and saw a stranger.

'Hello, is this Master Zhu Shian's home?'

'That's right.'

Wen Mingrui, a clerk from the Action Team headquarters in Beijing, introduced himself and said: 'I'm here to deliver documents to Master Zhu. Is it convenient to see Master Zhu now?'

'Please come in and sit for a while. I'll go ask the eldest young lady.'

Wen Mingrui nodded in thanks: 'Thank you for the trouble.'

'You're too polite. Please come in.'

Zhu Lan invited him into the front hall to sit and poured him a cup of water. Then she turned and ran to the backyard to knock on the eldest young lady's door.

Zhu Shian knew Zhu Jin would send someone these couple days, but she didn't expect the person to come so early. It was just delivering documents—was there such a rush?

Wen Mingrui also wanted to wait until daylight to visit. But the matter was urgent. The Action Team really had no other way. The moment he arrived in Zhenshan County, he came to knock on the Zhu Family's door.

To be honest, it was Wen Mingrui's first time in Zhenshan County. He didn't know where the Sanqing Lane Zhu Family was at all. He had to ask locals who were on the same boat to get a rough location before finding his way over.

Wen Mingrui sat for a while, drank half a cup of water to moisten his throat, and saw a young lady with half her hair pinned up walk in. Behind her was the sister who had opened the door for him.

Wen Mingrui guessed this must be Master Zhu. He quickly stood up and said: 'Master Zhu, hello. I'm Wen Mingrui from the Action Team headquarters office. Director Zhu asked me to deliver documents to you.'

'Hello. Hard work coming so early.'

Zhu Shian sat down and took the register he handed over. The moment the register was in her hands, her wrist went down from the weight. She didn't expect it to be so heavy.

Zhu Shian took it with both hands, placed the register on her knee, and opened it. It turned out they had photographed all the Magic Implements. The photos were attached inside the register—no wonder it was so heavy.

Zhu Shian first roughly looked through it. She took a liking to a Seven-Star Sword and a Triqing Bell. Although the names were ordinary, Zhu Shian could tell they were good things. She didn't need them, but they could be for Zhang Jie.

Zhu Shian continued flipping. When she reached the list of stolen and sold Magic Implements, the hand that kept flipping suddenly stopped.

The Golden Thunder Whip!

This was the Golden Thunder Whip that smote demons and destroyed ghosts, specifically for overcoming all world's yin evil!

The Golden Thunder Whip—wasn't that the good treasure that her master gave to her senior martial brother? She had begged her master for it for a long time, but her master wouldn't give it to her. He just said this Golden Thunder Whip suited senior martial brother and wasn't suitable for her straightforward fighting style.

Senior martial brother's hairpin was delivered to her by the Action Team. Who would have thought that senior martial brother's Golden Thunder Whip was also in the Action Team, and had been sold and taken out of the country!

Wen Mingrui saw Zhu Shian's expression wasn't right. He tentatively asked: 'Is there something wrong with this register?'

Zhu Shian put the register on the table and said: 'Zhu Jin said, if I agree to be your Action Team's leader, I can choose three Magic Implements from this register.'

Wen Mingrui quickly said: 'Yes, you can choose any.'

Zhu Shian pointed to the Golden Thunder Whip for him to see: 'The first one, I want this.'

Wen Mingrui's expression relaxed and he smiled: 'Of course this Magic Implement can be yours, but you have to go get it yourself.'

'Where is it?'

'In Port City.'

This time Wen Mingrui came, actually hoping Zhu Shian would go to Port City to retrieve the already-stolen Magic Implements and cultural relics.

Wen Mingrui was afraid Zhu Shian would feel the Action Team was scheming against her. He said sincerely: 'After the National Security Bureau's strict investigation these few days, they found that besides those few people from the Cultural Relics Confidential Protection Bureau who were caught, other units also sold cultural relics. Those cultural relics are basically national treasure-level precious items. The higher-ups ordered they must be recovered. Because Magic Implements are involved, there must definitely be Xuan Sect people behind this. Our National Security and Public Security comrades going alone will probably fall into their trap. They must find someone like you to lead and feel secure.'

Recovering the Magic Implements and cultural relics was urgent. Just when the Southwest Border incident happened, the Action Team couldn't spare anyone who could lead. Zhu Jin and the others placed all their hopes on Zhu Shian.

Before Wen Mingrui left, he had met with several leaders of the National Security Bureau. The leaders' meaning was, even if Zhu Shian didn't agree to join the Action Team, the three Magic Implements Zhu Jin promised her would still count. The condition was to ask her to help recover the national treasures.

Now Master Zhu not only agreed to join the Action Team but also agreed to go to Port City to recover the Magic Implements—truly exceeding expectations.

Wen Mingrui immediately changed his address: 'Team Leader, can we set off now? If we set off early, we'll arrive in Guangzhou in the afternoon. Our people in Guangzhou will arrange for you to go to Port City.'

Zhu Shian was worried about the Golden Thunder Whip losing track. She didn't drag her feet. She said: 'We leave right now.'

But before leaving, Zhu Shian wanted Zhu Jin to send a Xuan Sect master to stay in Zhenshan County, in case something happened at the Mountain Valley later and there was no time to fix it.

Wen Mingrui said there was a capable master in Chongqing. That master was old and it wasn't convenient for him to travel far, but asking her to come to Zhenshan County for a period should be no problem.

'After we reach Chongqing, we'll arrange for that master to come to Zhenshan County. Rest assured, there won't be any problems.'

With Zhenshan County's matters arranged, Zhu Shian had no worries. She prepared to set off.

Zhu Lan listened beside. She was going to Port City with the eldest young lady?

Zhu Lan couldn't help but feel excited.

Zhu Shian was going to take care of business. Zhu Fengqin understood. She wouldn't follow and add trouble. Zhu Fengqin quickly packed luggage for Zhu Shian and quickly went through Zhu Shian's living habits to Zhu Lan.

Zhu Lan kept nodding. She remembered it all.

Before it was fully bright, Zhu Shian left with Zhu Lan and Wen Mingrui on a boat, heading toward Chongqing.

After it got bright, the shops on Sanqing Lane opened. Those who needed to go to work and school were all busy.

Zhu Changming ate breakfast and was about to go to the County Hospital to work. Before leaving, he brought a medical case to the main house: 'Fengqin, is the eldest young lady free now? I have a prescription I'd like the eldest young lady to look at.'

'Changming, you're too late. An'an went out.'

'Went out so early? Where to?'

'To Port City.'

Zhu Changming was shocked. How long had it been since he last saw the eldest young lady? The eldest young lady going to Port City was such a big matter—he hadn't even heard about it.

Zhu Changming thought the eldest young lady went to Port City because of clan matters. He asked around the clan, but even the clan didn't know.

Zhu Changming didn't find out why the eldest young lady went to Port City, but he heard another piece of news more shocking than the eldest young lady going to Port City—the eldest young lady was invited to eat public rice.

The clan elders also didn't know how far the matter had progressed. They told the clan members not to speak outside until the matter was settled.

Someone came to Sanqing Lane to take the eldest young lady away—at least seventy or eighty percent certain, right?

My ancestors! The eldest young lady is really something!

Zhu Changming's reaction to this news was almost the reaction of all the clan members. Their Zhu Family not only had visibly gotten better—looking at this, they were about to soar to the heavens!